Novak Djokovic Advances to Third Round at U.S. Open After Challenging Match
**New York, Aug 29: In a match he anticipated would be difficult, Novak Djokovic faced unexpected challenges at the U.S. Open when his victory was in jeopardy due to struggles with his serve. Battling inconsistency, the defending champion found himself unable to secure quick points on Wednesday night. Djokovic acknowledged he should have lost the second set, and if his opponent had not been injured, the outcome might have been different.
Despite the adversity, Djokovic advanced to the third round when his fellow Serbian, Laslo Djere, retired due to injury with Djokovic leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0. Djere had been leading 4-2 in the second set but appeared to be troubled by hip pain, requiring a visit from a trainer. Although Djere completed the set, which lasted 69 minutes following a 60-minute opener, he could not continue much longer.
Djokovic reflected on the match: "The matches are only going to get tougher from here. I know that, but I’m fine. I’ll find my way, as I have done many times in my career." Djokovic’s win marked his 90th at the U.S. Open, making him the first man to reach that milestone across all four Grand Slams. The 24-time major champion will face No. 28 seed Alexei Popyrin on Friday.
Djere had given Djokovic a scare last year by taking the first two sets in their third-round encounter before Djokovic made a comeback. This time, Djokovic managed just 47% of his first serves and showed signs of physical struggle, indicating an arduous path ahead despite his Olympic gold medal win.
Djere had opportunities to break Djokovic’s serve and take a commanding 5-2 lead in the second set, but ultimately faltered, allowing Djokovic to break back and secure the set. Djokovic concluded, "All in all, of course, I have to be happy with the win," expressing relief at overcoming crucial moments and finding the right shots to clinch the victory.
(AP)
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/30/djokovic-reaches-us-open-third-round/
Category : SPORTS
Tags:
